Best of West Ireland

Dublin - Galway. Welcome to Ireland! Starting from Dublin, we head west, passing through Kildare and Offaly counties. Our first destination is the scenic village of Kinvara, where one can capture the captivating Dunguaire Castle in pictures while learning about its historical heritage. Moving forward, the next stop is the Burren, a noteworthy natural gem of Ireland known for its limestone pavements, rare flora and ancient stone monuments. The Burren also has the distinction of being one of the earliest Christian settlements in Ireland.

The tour proceeds towards the remarkable Cliffs of Moher, where visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the cliff trails while birdwatching. Additionally, a nearby environmental exhibition offers an award-winning experience. After adequately exploring the area, the next base is Galway City, where we stay for the next two nights. Along the way, the renowned Galway Bay offers picturesque views while the lively student town boasts cosy pubs and excellent food.

Please note: Pick up point for this tour is at 7:45 on day 1 (tour departs at 08:00) - Dublin Nassau Street Pick Up, Opposite the Kilkenny Shop, Nassau St, Dublin.

Accommodation: Ashgrove, Desota House B&B or similar

Galway - Cong - Connemara National Park - Galway. Embark on a journey inland through the picturesque Maam Valley, until we reach the charming village of Cong. Here, visitors may pay a visit to the local museum dedicated to the beloved film classic "The Quiet Man", or explore the exquisitely restored 12th century Cong Abbey.

As you travel through the heart of Connemara, take in the stunning sights of the grandiose buildings and immaculately manicured gardens at Kylemore Abbey. The next stop on the itinerary is Connemara National Park, where a plethora of wildlife can be observed among the ancient tombs and woodland paths. At Diamond Hill, a 500m peak, breathtaking views await - rivalling those of even the highest summits in Europe.

The journey then continues to Clifden, famous for being the site of the first transatlantic flight landing. Within the confines of the National Park, visitors can revel in the splendour of the Sky Road, or behold the majestic peaks of the Twelve Bens of Connemara.

After a day filled with exploration, head back to the comfort of your abode in the heart of Galway City for a peaceful night's rest.

Accommodation: Ashgrove, Desota House B&B or similar

Galway - Clonmacnoise - Dublin. Departing from Galway, we take some scenic back roads through central Ireland and stop at Clonmacnoise, a renowned early Christian settlement. The site features impressive churches, stone crosses, and round towers. Following lunch in a local village, we journey through the incredibly peaty Irish bogs while our guide highlights the diverse flora and fauna. Our final stop before Dublin is Kilbeggan Distillery, the world's oldest licensed distillery, where we savour their famous whiskey. After a drink or two, we head back east towards Dublin, where our tour comes to an end.

Please note: This tour finishes at 19:00 - Dublin Nassau Street Drop Off, Opposite the Kilkenny Shop, Nassau St, Dublin.